UConn Women Notebook: Jefferson A Key Player In Win Over Rutgers

February 16, 2013|By JOHN ALTAVILLA, jaltavilla@courant.com, The Hartford Courant

PISCATAWAY, N.J — — It's been four games since sophomore Brianna Banks' season ended with a knee injury at St. John's on Feb. 2. And it's been four games since most of her minutes went to freshman Moriah Jefferson.

That transition has had its high and low points. But Saturday was all good for Jefferson.

With Bria Hartley ailing and limited to just four minutes, Jefferson played a career-high 30 and contributed 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals to UConn's 65-45 win at Rutgers.

Jefferson came into the game for the first time with Morgan Tuck, Breanna Stewart and Kiah Stokes with 15:34 to play and UConn trailing 10-4. The Huskies committed four fouls in the opening minutes, irritating coach Geno Auriemma.

"Coach wanted us to push the ball and get into more of the offensive flow," Jefferson said. "And that's what we tried to do."

Auriemma ended Thursday's practice a little upset with Jefferson after a number of possessions failed to produce points.

"Much of this stuff is so new and it is hard," Auriemma said. "There is a reason the older players can sustain better than the young players. It's a difficult transition into college. Given what was expected, Moriah hjas made a lot of progress.

"I would like to play her a lot with Brianna out. There is an opportunity for her to play. I just want her to be productive when she goes. It's a long process and there is going to be ups and downs. I thought the Providence game was the best she's played in months and I hope she can build on that before the NCAA tournament starts."

Feisty Fan Base

If this was the last time UConn will play at the Rutgers Athletic Center, Auriemma will take some memories with him of his interesting relationship with the Scarlet Knights' fans.

"I think some places lend themselves more to having a feisty environment," Auriemma said. "Every fan base has its own unique quirks. And because of who we are, you are going to get it from the fans, which is fine. And I would say Rutgers and West Virginia were likely the two most excited to see us. … Let's put it that way.

"But the Rutgers band is the best. I love those guys. They kill me for 40 minutes and if we win they say 'Good job, Coach' and we all go home."

Faris Chasing Maya

Kelly Faris has 973 points, 728 rebounds, 491 assists, and 263 steals in her career. Only Maya Moore, a four-time All-American, has scored 1,000 points with 750 rebounds, 500 assists and 250 steals at UConn. … UConn's lone 2013 recruit, guard Saniya Chong, was not invited to play in the McDonald's All-American all-star game this spring. It's the first time the Huskies will not have a player in the game since it began in 2002. The game will be played April 3 in Chicago. ... Rutgers has lost 29 of its last 30 games against Top 10 opponents. … The Scarlet Knights honored Sue Wicks before the game. The former basketball standout had a long WNBA career and will be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in June, a class that includes Hartford coach Jen Rizzotti. … Bill Laimbeer, the new coach of the WNBA's New York Liberty, was scouting the game. The former Detroit Pistons great is returning to the league after a long absence. … Rutgers senior Chelsey Lee, a major UConn recruit five years ago, did not play because of a sore knee. … UConn was 20 of 23 from the free throw line and is 44 of 53 in its last two games.